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Stewardship Tip – Bamboo
By Arshia | September 19, 2011
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the rate of deforestation shows signs of decreasing – but is still alarmingly high. Deforestation, mainly the conversion of tropical forests to agricultural land, shows signs of decreasing in several countries but continues at a high rate in others. Around 13 million hectares of forest were converted to other uses or lost through natural causes each year in the last decade compared to 16 million hectares per year in the 1990s. Both Brazil and Indonesia, which had the highest net loss of forest in the 1990s, have significantly reduced their rate of loss, while in Australia, severe drought and forest fires have exacerbated the loss of forest since 2000.
Forests ensure environmental functions such as biodiversity and provide habitat for invertebrates that, in turn, provide food for fish. In addition, forests protect water by inhibiting runoff and conserving soil. Forests also help moderate water temperatures especially on streams where trees provide cover.
As anglers and stewards, we need to look for ways to help reduce deforestation. One way to help is to buy products that come from sustainable sources. Bamboo, with a rapid three to five year growth/harvest cycle, provides an ideal alternative to many wood products.
Once a material seemingly dedicated to fishing poles, at least here in the US, bamboo is now used for building materials such as flooring, fencing, and plywood. Bamboo is also used to make consumer goods such as cutting boards and furniture. Bamboo has even been used to make bicycle frames!
Bamboo, though, like any other natural resource needs to be stewarded. As with any other product, exercise some diligence when purchasing bamboo. Look for products that bear the seal of a third party certifying authority such as the Forestry Stewardship Council. Also look for testmonials from the manufacturer; many companies will only harvest a small amount of the total growth each year to ensure sutainability. Bamboo, even though it does grow rapidly, cannot survive more extreme harvesting practices, such as clear-cutting.
Relying on products, such as bamboo, that are grown and harvested in a sustainable manner, can help to reduce deforestation. This, in turn, helps to preserve and protect our waters and, thus, our fish.
This week’s Stewardship Tip sponsor : Dicks Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods has deep roots in fishing. DICK’S started as a small bait-and-tackle shop over 60 years ago.
Today, DICK’S is proud to partner with Recycled Fish to assist in the ongoing stewardship of our fisheries. DICK’S Sporting Goods has a great appreciation for the sport of fishing and is pleased to be a destination for anglers across the country.
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